Description

Crispy Chicken Breasts Coated in Savory Ritz Crackers deliver a crunchy, buttery coating that locks in juicy tenderness. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal prep and under 30 minutes cook time. The combination of buttery Ritz crackers and tender chicken creates a comforting, flavorful meal loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed finely
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2–3 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for frying) or as needed for baking

Optional Spices and Variations

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cayenne pepper or chili powder for spicy version (optional)
Gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts as gluten-free alternative (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the coating sticks well. If the breasts are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Crush the Ritz Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers in a plastic bag and crush finely using a rolling pin or pulse a few times in a food processor. Aim for a coarse, sandy texture—not powdery.
Set Up Coating Stations: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with the flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed Ritz crackers (optionally mixed with your chosen spices or Parmesan cheese).
Coat the Chicken: Lightly coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the Ritz cracker crumbs until fully coated. Repeat this process for all pieces to ensure an even crust.
Cook to Perfection: For stovetop cooking, heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, for a lighter option, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken on a baking sheet, lightly spray or brush with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy and juicy.

Notes

Press the cracker crumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a crust that stays on during cooking and cutting.
Always pat chicken dry before coating to help the crust adhere properly.
Ensure oil is hot before frying or the oven is fully preheated to 400°F for best results.
Do not overcrowd the pan or baking sheet; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy and the crust crisp.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: crispy chicken, Ritz crackers, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, buttery coating, kid-friendly chicken, crunchy chicken